Attaining a scholarship to study abroad is something many students in Cambodia desire. However, it is not easily achieved without effort.

“It is neither difficult nor complex to get a scholarship but you first have to spend time researching for one,” Chea Lyda, a 25-year-old assistant lecturer at Cambodia Communication Institute said.

She was selected for a scholarship in the Netherlands to complete her Masters degree in social and development studies.

She first found a website that provided information on studying in Europe. Then, she discovered Netherlands Fellowship Programs (NFP) through a website, Netherlands Organization for International Cooperation in Higher Education.

Lea researched on her subject of choice and the university that awarded scholarships for her program. She then submitted her application to both the university andscholarship body.

She said that applicants must demonstrate their eligibility and availability of leave from work.

English proficiency is another criteria to fulfill. For Lea, it took four months for her application to be processed before she was finally selected.

She was the first student from Cambodia in the scholarship program awarded by NFP. Her advice to students is: “Don’t give up. Try to apply for as many scholarships as you can.”